If you were to take a poll of Denver, CO, homeowners as to what their preferred method of heating is, chances are that boilers would rank pretty high. One reason for this is that boilers are considered one of the most dependable methods of heating. Another is that they are a fairly simple system, with fewer moving parts than some other heating methods. Boilers also tend to last longer than other ways to heat your home, offering a great return on investment. All that being said, no system is perfect, and the need for repair will eventually arise. It is important to realize when that time has come with your boiler, so let’s examine the top signs that your boiler is due for repair.
Strange Sounds
If you are hearing a loud or unusual sound coming from your boiler, this can definitely be a sign that a repair is in order. If you notice any of the following sounds, be sure to contact a professional right away.
Kettling
A kettling sound can be from a buildup of limescale. This buildup can limit the amount of water flow that makes its way to the heat exchanger. This causes overheating, leading to a kettling sound.
Clunking
When you hear clunking coming from your boiler, it should not be ignored. A clunking or banging sound usually indicates that there is some sort of pressure problem or a broken valve.
Rumbling and Rattling
Rumbling and rattling sounds from your boiler can be indicative of a couple of things. One possibility is the circulating pump. When this pump is malfunctioning, it can wind up shaking inside its casing. If the rumbling and rattling you hear appear to be coming from the boiler tank, this is also a sound that is associated with limescale buildup.
Unusual Odors
If you notice any odd smells coming from your boiler, you do not want to ignore them. This is particularly true if you notice the smell of rotten eggs. The presence of this smell near your boiler means that there is a gas leak. A gas leak can be extremely dangerous and will require immediate assistance from a professional heating contractor. While awaiting the arrival of help, you will want to avoid using any plugs or switches, open all the windows and doors, extinguish any flames, and evacuate the premises.
If there is a dusty smell, it is probably due to dust that has built up in the radiator. This is by no means as much of an emergency as a rotten egg smell, but it should be addressed by a contractor. Doing so will help ensure the efficiency and proper functioning of your system.
Water Leakage
Dripping water from your boiler is generally a sign of a problem that requires repair. If left unattended, the water could wind up causing damage to your property. There is also a higher chance of bursting. No matter how minimal a leak might appear to you initially, just remember that a boiler is designed to be a closed-loop system and that any leakage is a major red flag as it indicates that your boiler is not operating properly.
Should you notice a leak, the first thing you are going to want to do is shut off the power and water supply to your unit. This helps ensure that there is no further damage while you await help. Next, you are going to want to call one of our specialists at High 5 Plumbing, Heating & Cooling to have a look at it. While a boiler is a simpler heating device than other options on the market, you are not going to want to attempt to service it yourself. Doing so could impact your safety, along with the safety of anyone else in the household.
Poor Heating
If you are noticing a significant delay in how long it takes your boiler to heat your home in comparison to how much time it normally takes, this can be a sign that a repair is in order. When you have a situation where the house is heating up, just that it is delayed, this can often be attributed to a circulation issue. This could end up being a malfunctioning circulation pump. When this pump is not working properly, the correct amount of hot water is not making it to the radiators.
If you notice that your home is not reaching the correct temperature, no matter how long it takes, other possibilities could be an airlock issue or mineral deposits causing a blockage. Inadequate heating from your boiler needs to be addressed by a professional before you risk the possibility of a complete system breakdown.
Higher Heating Bill
The need to have your boiler repaired may not announce itself beyond simply an unexplained increase in your energy bill. When your boiler is having an issue that requires repair, it can cause the system to need to work harder than normal in order to heat your home. This can lead to a decrease in efficiency and an increase in your energy bill. Having a trained technician take a look at your system can help determine the root cause of the issue and where there is a need for repair.
Age of Boiler
The average life span of a boiler is 10 to 15 years. This life span can be greatly increased if you regularly have proper maintenance performed on it by a professional. Regular maintenance of your boiler can help catch problems early, which cuts down on the need for the kind of extensive repairs that come with neglect. Even if you do get a much longer life span out of your boiler than you would without regular maintenance, the age of a system will ultimately lead to a need for repair. Whether or not you have regularly maintained your boiler, once it hits 10 years, you are going to want to take the preventative measure of having a trustworthy repair team at-the-ready.
Your Denver Boiler Repair Experts
If you are in Denver, CO, or a surrounding area, you can trust your boiler repair to the team at High 5 Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We have been providing boiler services to the community since 2012 and have made a point of being more than just a heating company. Our team also offers extensive plumbing and HVAC services. That means that you can consider us a one-stop shop for many of the needs you might encounter in your home. We know how much we can impact someone’s day, and that is why we offer exemplary service, a friendly smile, and extraordinary care for our customers. We also bring positivity to our team, community, clients, and local nonprofits by making connections through our High 5 Cares program. If you are ready to see everything that our team at High 5 Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can do for you and your family, then give us a call today.
